Jenifer Blanco Monzón

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Jenifer Blanco Monzón ("JBM") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

JBM : I studied graphic design in Caracas, Venezuela where I am from and then came to Argentina to study Art Direction. I really love the botch of them but I prefer Art Direction because it is more complete. You have to know about design, and also movies, photography, history, and a lot more ir order to be more confident and have better results.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

JBM : Because I could not picture myself doing anything else. Design makes me happy and I think everyone should do what makes them happy!

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

JBM : I love to make things with my hands, that is why I love set design and crafting. I wish I can make more of that.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

JBM : Because design surround us everyday everywhere. We see design from a box of cereals, to a ballot. So for people to understand better what they are reading and what they want to get, design has to be involve.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

JBM : I would love to design for Wes Anderson and work with him in one of his movies!

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

JBM : I am wishing to be involved in the art direction and set design of a big movie. That would be a dream come true!

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

JBM : Make work that makes you happy!

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

JBM : Jessica Walsh. Stefan Sagmeister. Paula Scher. Michael Beirut.

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

JBM : I love Jessica Walsh's design because it is disruptive, super creative and unique. She uses bright colores that pop and she is always overcoming. I love her work!

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

JBM : Researching a lot, reading, watching movies, and never stop creating. You can never be too creative! And practices makes perfect (although I don't think perfect even exists).

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

JBM : I think I would be an architect or a yoga teacher!

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

JBM : More and better projects!

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

JBM : I want to help people with my designs and I want to help younger designers too in the future! I would love to have my own physical studio (like a real place) and be a community where designers go and create all the time.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

JBM : Make work into play, and play into work!

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

JBM : I love technology but I don't only rely on it because I love starting from analog and then go to digital if its necessary.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

JBM : I don't feel famous at all. I just feel better accomplishing something new and getting to share my work with others.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

JBM : Turquoise. The beach. Sushi. Spring. A brush. Apple.

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

JBM : when I got out of school I studied engineering for a year. I didn't feel like I belonged there, so I wrote a letter to my parent saying that I wasn't happy and that I wanted to change to graphic design. Luckily I have the best parents and they wanted the best for me. So I changed and loved everything about studying design!!

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

JBM : I love watching Ted talks and inspirational videos because others success makes me want to accomplish things and become not only a better designer but also a better person.

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

JBM : Not at all. My parents are engineers and I always liked to paint and draw but never saw myself as a designer growing up. But now that I am a designer I don't picture myself doing anything else!